Shotgun counterbalance

ABSTRACT

A counterbalance for use in shotguns of all types mountable within a compartment below the barrel and having a threaded shaft and at least one weight engaged upon said shaft for selected disposition axially thereof so as to compensate for any imbalance.

United States tent [72] Inventor Jesse B. Edwards 269 Herbert St.,Madison, 111. 62060 [21] Appl. No. 758,654 [22] Filed Sept. 5, 1968 [45]Patented Sept. 14, 1971 [54] SHOTGUN COUNTERBALANCE 1 Claim, 10 DrawingFigs.

[52] 11.8. C1 42/1 R [51] lnt.Cl F4lc 27/00 [50] Field ofSearch 42/1;1/1 N [56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,560,840 11/1925Molloy 42/1 2,140,945 12/1938 Swartz..... 42/1 2,529,733 11/1950 King42/40 2,763,081 9/1956 Huckabee 42/1 (N) 3,340,641 9/1967 Recker 42/13,365,829 l/1968 Shockey 42/1 3,371,440 3/1968 Cassell 42/1 404,9216/1889 Miller 42/1 FOREIGN PATENTS 596,261 l2/1947 Great Britain 42/1(N) Irimary ExaminerBenjamin A. Borchelt Assistant Examiner-C. T. JordanAt!0rneyRalph W. Kalish ABSTRACT: A counterbalance for use in shotgunsof all types mountable within a compartment below the barrel and havinga threaded shaft and at least one weight engaged upon said shaft forselected disposition axially thereof so as to compensate for anyimbalance.

PATENTED SEP 1 4 IBYI SHEET 2 [1F 2 INVENTOR Jesse B. EDWARDS ATTORN EYSHOTGIUN COUNTEIRBALANCE BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It isan object of the present invention to provide a counterbalance forshotguns for disposition forwardly of the receiver for the purpose ofcompensating for any inherent imbalances within the shotgun by reason ofthe distribution of weights of the gun components.

It is another object of the present invention to provide acounterbalance of the type stated which permits of an interchange of gunbarrels of varying gauge so as to allow for constant gun balanceregardless of weight differentials of the barrels.

" It is'a still further object of the presentinvention to provide acounterbalance of the type stated which may be easily manipulated forbringing about the requisite adjustment, without necessitating theutilization of extrinsic tools whereby appropriate adjustments can bequickly effected on the spot.

It is another object of the present invention to provide acounterbalance of the type stated which is extremely versatile in beingamenable to effective usage within shotguns of all types.

It is a still further object of the present invention to provide acounterbalance of the type stated the utilization of which willsubstantially eliminate barrel whipping, barrel bouncing and vibrationwhich normally results in barrel bending or socalled barrel walk".

It is another object of the present invention to provide acounterbalance of the type stated the use of which will conduce to areliable shot pattern, obviating the erratic results obtained byunbalanced shotguns.

It is a still further object of the present invention to provide acounterbalance of the type stated which will assure the user of aconsistent sense of feel with respect to the gun so that efforts infiring to compensate for any biases of the gun will be avoided.

It is another object of the present invention to provide acounterbalance of the type stated which embodies means for absorbing theimpact of the firing pin so as to avoid accidental damage thereto.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide an end cap,which may be usable with the counterbalance of the present invention,designed to retain a quantity of a moisture absorbing agent so as tomaintain the shell magazine in a relatively dry state, thereby impedingany damage through corrosion.

It is another object of the present invention to provide acounterbalance of the type stated which may be most economicallymanufactured; which may be readily installed within existing shotgunswithout necessitating costly modification thereof, which is easilyadjusted by the average user, not requiring any developed skill; andwhich is reliable and durable in usage.

DESCRlPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a side view of the shotgunincorporating a counterbalance constructed in accordance with andembodying the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a vertical transverse sectional view taken on the line 2-2 ofFIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a vertical transverse sectional view taken on the line 3-3 ofFIG. 2, but showing the counterbalance in full lines.

FIG. 4 is an enlarged, longitudinal sectional view of thecounterbalance.

FIG. 5 is a side view of a shotgun incorporating another embodiment of acounterbalance constructed in accordance with and embodying the presentinvention.

FIG. 6 is a vertical sectional view taken on the line 6-6 of FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 is a vertical transverse sectional view taken on the line 7-7 ofFIG. 6 that showing the counterbalance in full line.

FIG. 8 is a longitudinal sectional view of the counterbalance shown inFIG. 7.

FIG. 9 illustrates another form of the cap of the counterbalance shownin FIG. 7.

FIG. 10 is a longitudinal transverse sectional view taken on the linel0-l0 of FIG. 9.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PRACTICAL EMBODIMENTS Referring now by referencecharacters to the drawings which illustrate practical embodiments of thepresent invention, S generally designates a shotgun, as of theconventional repeating pump or autoloading type having a barrel 1, thecustomary shell magazine 2 located therebeneath and suitably secured, asby spaced apart struts 3; a receiver 4 attached to said barrel '1 andshell magazine 2,.and. a stock 5. Disposed en closingly about theforward portion of shell magazine 2 is a for end 6.

Provided for reception within shell magazine 2 at its forward, orstock-remote end, is a counterbalance, designated generally A, whichcomprises a sleeve 7 of annular cross sec tion fixed to the said wall ofmagazine 2, as by a screw 8, so as to inhibit relative movement. Saidsleeve 7 at its rearward end is open and at its forward end is snuglyclosed by an interfitting plug 9; said latter having a radiallyextending tapped socket 10 for alignment with an aperture 11 in the wallof sleeve 7 for engagement with a retaining screw 12 for fixedlysecuring plug 9 within said sleeve 7. Plug 9 contains a bore 13 coaxialwith sleeve 7, being smooth-surfaced for extension therethrough of anelongated threaded shaft 14 extending through sleeve 7 and being of suchlength as to normally extend beyond the open rearward end thereof andforwardly beyond plug 9.

Disposed against the opposite end faces of plug 9 are metallic washers15,15 against which abut lock nuts 16,16, respectively; said latterbeing tightly engaged upon shaft 14. If desired an additional lock nut17 may be presented adjacent lock nut 16. It will thus be seen that bore13 of plug 9 constitutes a bearing for shaft 14, permitting rotationthereof for purposes presently appearing.

The forward end of shaft 14 is secured within a threaded recess 18formed in a control know 19 having a, preferably, knurled surface as at20 for facilitating manipulation. Knob 19 is maintained upon shaft 14 bymeans of a screw 21.

Knob 19 is presented for ease of operation immediately forwardly ofshell magazine 2; there being a cap or housing 22 closing the forwardend of shell magazine 2 and receiving the forward portion of shaft 14;said housing 22 being tapered at its forward end for acceptance within atapered recess 23 formed on the rearward face of knob 19.

Engaged upon shaft 14, within sleeve 7, is a counterweight 24 which maybe of unitary construction or constituted of a multiplicity ofinterengaged components for development of a preselected weight. Saidcounterweight is axially bored and tapped as at 25 for securement uponshaft 14. Rigid at its inner end within counterweight 24 and extendingradially outwardly therefrom is a pin 26 for extension through aslotlike aperture 27 formed in the wall of sleeve 7. In use, shaft 14may be rotated by suitable turning of knob 19 which rotation will effectrelative linear travel of counterweight 24 within sleeve 7 by reason ofthe interengagement of pin 26 within aperture 27 which inhibits rotativemovement of said counterweight 24. Accordingly, counterweight 24 may berelatively, selectedly located within sleeve 7 so as to provide therequisite counterbalancing effect.

It is to be observed that the particular disposition of counterweight 24will be determined with respect to the particular barrel being used aswell as the nature of the stock so as to bring about as near a perfectbalance as possible for substantial elimination of barrel bounce andwhipping and of undesired vibration. By use of the present invention theheretofore accepted conditions of barrel lightness and barrel heavinessmay be properly compensated. It is apparent that counterbalance A isadjusted with maximum facility, without requiring dismantling ordisassembly of any of the related portions of shotgun S so that suitableadjustment may be quickly made as required by change of barrels.

Referring now to FIGS. 5 to 8, inclusive, S designates a single-barrelshotgun of the so-called over-under character comprising a barrel 31 anda lower tube indicated 32 being of relatively less length than barrel 31and integral at its rearward end therewith throughout a zone indicated33', there being a receiver 34 and stock 35. Lower tube 32 is adaptedfor mounting of a for end 36 (FIG. 5). Said lower tube may be,customarily, a segmented or shortened barrel being closed at its forwardend, as by plug 37, and with its rearward end being open and having anannular shoulder 38 for purposes presently appearing. Provided fordisposition within said lower tube 32 is a counterbalance, indicatedgenerally A, and which embodies an elongated screw shaft 39 presentedcoaxially of lower tube 32 and having engaged on its forward end abumper 40 for abutment on its forward end face against plug 37. Theopposite or rearward end of shaft 39 is threadedly received within atapped axial bore 41 formed in the body 42 of an end cap member 43having a configuration similar to a shotgun cartridge shell and aperipheral end rim 44 for seated disposition within shoulder 38 wherebybetween such engagement and the abutment of bumper 40 against plug 37counterbalance A is rendered stable Within lower tube 32 against axialmovement. Into the rearwardly presented face of end cap 43 there opensthe rearward end of a relatively short recess 45 for fittedly receivinga durable yet relatively flexible or resilient plug 46, as of nylon orthe like; said plug being presented for contact by the firing pin ofshotgun S and to thereby provide sufficient yieldability so as toprevent damage to the firing pin. It is apparent that end cap 43 may befabricated of any suitable material although metallics have been foundpreferable. In order to inhibit unauthorized or premature unthreadingaction between shaft 39 and cap 43 there is provided a lock nut 47engaged on said shaft 39 for abutment against a washer 48 disposedbetween same and end cap 43. It will accordingly be seen, as best shownin FIG. 8, that axial bore 41 is of such length so as to permit of adesired range of relative movement between shaft 39 and said end cap 43for accommodating the particular longitudinal extent of the relatedlower tube 32.

Threadedly engaged upon shaft 39 between bumper 40 and end cap 43 arecounterweights 49,50 which comprehend body portions 51,52, respectively,each having a tapped axial bore 53,54 respectively for engagement, asaforesaid, upon shaft 39. Said counterweights 49,50, may be, if desired,of unitary construction or may, as indicated in FIG. 8, incorporate aninner body portion, as shown at 55, with an exterior sheathing orplating, as at 56. Counterweights 49,50 are shown in the drawings asbeing of different size and hence of different weight but it is to beunderstood that the weight relationship therebetween is a matter ofchoice dependent upon the intended usage. However, by presentingcounterweights 49,50 of different weights a finer adjustment may be morereadily achieved. It is, of course, to be further understood that anynumber of such weights may be mounted upon shaft 39 although it has beenfound in practice that two such weights serve most satisfactorilyEngaged upon shaft 39 at opposite ends of each weight 49,50 are locknuts57 for tight threading against companion washers 58,59 disposed at eachend of each weight 49,50 so that by operation of locknuts 57 the saidweights may be securely maintained in selected positions.

In usage it is apparent that counterbalance A must be adjustedexteriorly of its associated shotgun S so that after manipulation ofcounterweights 49,50 has been effected, counterbalance A is theninserted within lower tube 32, with its state of adjustment beingdetermined, as it were, by feel". Withdrawal of counterbalance A iseasily accomplished so as to permit of any further adjustments of eitheror both weights 49,50, as may be required. As described above and asseen in FIG. 7, counterbalance A, when in operative condition, is stableagainst accidental dislodgment with attendant loss of adjustment,whereby once said counterbalance is installed the user may fire theshotgun with full sense of confidence and assurance. The close fittingrelationship between counterbalance A and its receiving compartment,lower tube 32, prevents end play as well as noise, rattle, and barrelmotion. It will be observed that the presence of end cap 43 at therearward end oflower tube 32 will prevent the accidental insertion of aloaded shell within said barrel 32 thereby avoiding a potential hazard.

Referring now to FIGS. 9 and 10, 60 designates an end cap having agenerally cylindrical body 61 broadly simulative of the exterior contourof a shotgun cartridge and being provided at its normally rearward endwith a rim 62 for detaining disposition against the shoulder of thereceiving barrel. Centrally of its rearward face end cap 60 is providedwith a socket 63 for snugly receiving a plug 64, as of nylon rubber andthe like, for yieldably accepting the impact of the firing pin andthereby preventing damage of the same.

Progressing from its opposite or forward end, end cap 60 islongitudinally bored, as at 65, for development of a relatively enlargedchamber 66, the rearward end of which is defined by the base of saidbore 67 and the forward end of which is determined by a closure plug 68fabricated of moisture permeative material and fitted within the forwardend. Said chamber is designed to receive a quantity of a hygroscopiccomposition, such as silica gel or other like compounds, for absorbingambient moisture thereby retaining the magazine in a relatively drystate so that damage to the shotgun, as through corrosion will beprevented pending cleaning operations. It is thus apparent that end cap60 might be considered as a desiccating cartridge which may be usedindependently for disposition within shotgun magazines. It is indeedevident that end cap 60 may quite easily be adapted for replacement ofend cap 43 of counterbalance A by the mere expedient of extendingclosure plug 68 and providing same with an internally threaded bore.

From the foregoing it will be seen that the present invention conducesto the proper balancing of shotguns so that in firing, barrel whip,muzzle jumping, barrel bouncing and vibration are substantiallyeliminated. It is to be recognized that in the manufacture of shotguns aconsistency of weight from gun to gun cannot be achieved as a result ofvariations in the weights of components such as iron, wood and the like.Additionally in firearms which are adapted for interchange of the gunbarrel the center of gravity will expectedly shift with each barrelreplacement. Thus counterbalances A and A constitute reliable means forbringing about the desired degree of balance, offsetting the customarilyaccepted variations so that the sportsman will experience a constantsense of appropriate balance resulting in consistency of speed of swing,as in trap shooting, and with resultant reliability in high level ofshot pattern.

Having thus described my invention what 1 claim and desire to obtain byLetters Patent is:

l. The combination of a shotgun having a barrel, a receiver attached tosaid barrel, a stock attached to said receiver, means defining a chamberbeneath said barrel extending from a point adjacent said receiver to apoint spaced from the outer extremity of said barrel, and of acounterbalance comprising:

a. a threaded shaft disposed axially within said chamber;

b. a plug provided in said chamber at the end remote from said receiver,the adjacent end of said shaft being secured to said plug;

c. an end cap member provided in said chamber at the end proximate saidreceiver;

I. Said end cap member having a peripheral rim adjacent said receiver;

2. Said chamber having a groove for receiving said end cap rim forrestraining said end cap member against movement within said chamberaway from said receiver;

3. Said end cap member having an axially threaded bore;

4. Said shaft being threadedly received within said bore to apreselected point for securing said shaft to said end cap member at itsend proximate said receiver;

weights; e. And means for maintaining said weights in relative selecteddisposition on said shaft.

mg UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION Patent No.3,604,136 D d Sept. 14, 197].

Inventor(s) Jesse Edwards It is certified that error appears in theabove-identified patent and that said Letters Patent are herebycorrected as shown below:

In the Patent Heading:

Change "Madison, Illinois 62060" to --Alton, Illinois 62002--.

Signed and sealed this 11th day of April 1972.

(SEAL) Attest:

EDWARD M.F'LETCHER, JR. ROBERT GOTTSCHALK Attesting Officer Commissionerof Patents

1. The combination of a shotgun having a barrel, a receiver attached tosaid barrel, a stock attached to said receiver, means defining a chamberbeneath said barrel extending from a point adjacent said receiver to apoint spaced from the outer extremity of said barrel, and of acounterbalance comprising: a. a threaded shaft disposed axially withinsaid chamber; b. a plug provided in said chamber at the end remote fromsaid receiver, the adjacent end of said shaft being secured to saidplug; c. an end cap member provided in said chamber at the end proximatesaid receiver;
 1. Said end cap member having a peripheral rim adjacentsaid receiver;
 2. Said chamber having a groove for receiving said endcap rim for restraining said end cap member against movement within saidchamber away from said receiver;
 3. Said end cap member having anaxially threaded bore;
 4. Said shaft being threadedly received withinsaid bore to a preselected point for securing said shaft to said end capmember at its end proximate said receiver; d. At least two weight bodiesthreadedly engaged on said shaft for selective relative positioningtherealong; said weight bodies being optionally of different size andweights; e. And means for maintaining said weights in relative selecteddisposition on said shaft.
 2. Said chamber having a groove for receivingsaid end cap rim for restraining said end cap member against movementwithin said chamber away from said receiver;
 3. Said end cap memberhaving an axially threaded bore;
 4. Said shaft being threadedly receivedwithin said bore to a preselected point for securing said shaft to saidend cap member at its end proximate said receiver; d. At least twoweight bodies threadedly engaged on said shaft for selective relativepositioning therealong; said weight bodies being optionally of differentsize and weights; e. And means for maintaining said weights in relativeselected disposition on said shaft.